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Yarn Shop Reviews
New Jersey
Aunt Jean's
38 Center Street
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-713-0101
Reviewed by Pat Porter
A charming store that is soon expanding to incorporate more and more wool (the place is bursting at the seams) she is focused on both knitting and weaving. Yarns include Brown Sheep, Dale, Collinette, Henry's Attic, lots of coned yarns in cotton, wool, chenille, mohair. The big draws here are her huge selection of books on all textile subjects, and her own hand-dyed yarns of soft merino, many in variegated colors that are harmonious and beautiful. She has many samples of her own creations - purses and the like, which are available in kits. Her knowledge of fiber and color runs deep, and she generously imparts information that can be mind boggling to amateurs like me.
Fiber Arts Cafe
21 E Commerce Street
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
856-451-3143
Reviewed by C Victoria Smith
I really enjoyed my visit to this new shop. I just happened to see yarn in the window so I stopped in and wow! Lots of really nice yarns and really different yarns as well. The one fall yarn offered had wooden beads and cloth leaves attached to the yarn. While there I signed up for a knitting class and thought I would take the time to learn to crochet, since those classes were offered too. 11/11
Fiber Arts Yarn Shop
315 Ocean St #23
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 898-8080
Reviewed by Vanessa Ewing
The yarn shop is located in the center of town in Cape May, NJ. The shop has only been there over a year- but has a strong background of knitting, having just relocated form a niche of 15 years. The staff are pleasant, happy to assist. The yarn selection is magnificent, carrying products from Berroco, Plymouth, Skacel, Great Adirondak, Prism, Brown Sheep, Ironstone, Karabella, etc. They have quite a bit of novelty yarns.
Classes are held daily for any new knitters, or knitters with questions on anything! Models of yarn and swatches are the biggest I've ever seen... just about everything has been knitted.
It is the perfect place to pick up a project and enjoy the day sitting and knitting on the beach!
Knit-a-Bit
66 Elm Street, Suite 2
Westfield, NJ 07090
908-301-0053
Reviewed by Ceil Andriola
I love this place! Besides having a great selection of Beautiful yarn, Susan and Harriet, the owners, are wonderful!
They also have a large selection of books, needles, and crochet hooks and Susan and Harriet are very
friendly and helpful. There are times I go in on a mission for a certain yarn, and I am out quickly. Other times I allow myself the luxury of browsing and buying (with a lot of freedom to touch and admire the yarn before I make a selection) and the joy of sitting and knitting and talking to Harriet, Susan and other customers. This is a great place!
The Knit Kit
1996 Route 27, Suite 7
Edison, NJ 08817
732-287-8177
Owner: Donna Christison
Reviewed by Barbara Sabatie
This is a most unique knitting store. Donna not only carries quality yarn but she is very talented. The Knit Kit is like one big happy family. Donna not only supplies the yarn and books with patterns she is more than willing and capable to design a pattern for you. Whatever you see or like she can convert into a pattern that is easily read by a beginner knitter. Her shop
is a specialty store. There are customers that have been coming to her for years. She has been in business for 30 years, first in Metuchen, New Jersey and now in Edison. She has been featured in The Home News Tribune and the
Star Ledger. Everyone is more than welcome to come in and hang out and sit and knit all day. Mistakes, never a problem with Donna. She will teach you how to knit if you don't know how. You get personal service when you are in her shop.
She carries many quality yarns and can order anything she has in her vast book shelf of all brands of yarn, she carries knitting needles, any and all knitting accessories, crochet needles and accessories, needlework canvasses, buttons, you name it she has it and if she doesn't she will make every effort to get it for you.
She is very, very talented and creative and almost every one of her regular customers such as myself are extremely happy with the many creations of sweaters, baby blankets, baby outfits, afghans or bring in a picture and she
will make it into a pattern for you. Donna also does finishing work, and all that goes along with it.
The Knit Kit is worth a visit. One visit and you will be hooked.
Knitters Workshop
345 North Avenue
Garwood, NJ
Reviewed by Ceil Andriola
The yarn is beautiful. The woman at the store was very helpful. She answered my questions about the yarn and answered my knitting questions and showed me a better way to cast on.
She was very encouraging and nice. My sister was with me and she picked out a yarn she like and asked me to make her a scarf.
I was given helpful information about needles and how many stitches to cast on. When I went home I found my needles and started my sister's scarf.
My sister said she may start to knit again after seeing the beautiful yarn at the Knitters Workshop.
The Knitting Niche
1330 Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Reviewed by Liz Smith
Yarn- Excellent, high quality.
This store was well worth the 4 hour drive to Ocean City. It is not the biggest store around, but has a great selection. This is not the place for a knitter that wants a cheap little project, but a heaven for a knitter like me who can't find a good yarn store (Or, I can't find A yarn store!) and wants much more than the same old boring stuff, though it does have some Paton's Canadiana. Though I had a limited time to look at yarn, I could see lots of Debbie Bliss yarns and almost everything was wool and very soft. They also had some novelty yarns (eylashes, the thickest and thinnest thick/thin I've ever seen, etc.) They also have many classic, beautiful yarns like the super-soft mohair I bought.
Service- Excellent.
The person working at the store was very helpful. She did not follow us around but left us to browse, but still was very helpful. She also knew knitting and the yarn they had very well. For example: Person 1 (To Person 2): I'll knit you a scarf. Wait, you don't need to be kept warm in Texas. Salesperson: Well, you can make a scarf with this (points to eyelash) and this (points to other yarn). They have no warmth and look really great, like it's beaded. When I was wondering if I should buy another pair of needles to start my project in the car going back home or just wait and use the needles I had. The salesperson had a collection of spare needles and gave me a pair!
Atmosphere- Good, but too hard to find.
The store's atmosphere was very friendly. As we drove by looking for it, we thought it was a house. There was a sign, a bit too small, with the store's name. The room was pretty small for a store, but had a lot of yarn without seeming crowded. Altogether, this was a GREAT store. As my aunt summed it up: It would be nice if I worked in a yarn store like this, or at least lived in this town. I would be so... happy.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Sue Ann Koch
The convenience of having this store so close is great. I live in Somers Point and it is just a small hop over the bridge. I will say however that my Mother-In-Law and I are rather disappointed with this store. We love yarns from Rowan, Manos del Uruguay, and Koigu, which she does not carry any. Her needles are mainly bamboo and there really isn't much of a selection for those of us who could go for a lets say..... a pair of Skacel Circular needles, which are the best by far. The Clover needles she has are alright but it really isn't much more than you'd find at let's say Micheal's Craft store. Also, just so you know that if you are planning to support your yarn habit on your credit card (which we have a tendency to do because we do not like to carry cash on us) The Knitting Niche in Ocean City does not accept credit cards. Cash or personal check only.
This shop was reviewed by a third knitter.
Reviewed by Martha Dean
While visiting Ocean City I took my sister to The Knitting Niche thinking I might entice her into learning to knit. This shop certainly didn't inspire her! The owner was nice enough, but when I asked her if she had any beginning classes her response was, I'm too old for that. How does one expect to get new customers if classes aren't offered? My sister and I thanked her and walked.In a resort area I wonder how she builds a customer base without having classes. As stated by a previous reviewer I also found her needles lacking in variety - sizes and kind. Won't bother going back there. 11/09
Knitty Knotty
33 Haddon Avenue
Westmont, NJ 08108
856-858-3828
Reviewed by Valerie Minerd
I love this store. It's well stocked and very well lit. Ning is an extremely talented designer and is always willing to stop what she is doing to help you with whatever questions you may have. She has a wonderful selection of yarn from the popular companies to the exotic hand-dyeds. Her selection of needles and accessories is also very nice as is her selection of books/magazines. 5/07
Nonna's Yarn Cafe
45 Broadway
Denville, NJ 07834
973-983-YARN (9276)
Reviewed by by Adriane A.
This is a fabulous store! The proprieters, sisters Josephine & Nicky have created an inviting atmosphere where you can browse the beautiful selection of yarns by Debbie Bliss, Gedifra, Berroco, Noro, Lily Chin, Adrienne Vittadini, novelty yarns, sock yarns, baby yarns (just to name a few), check out the unique hand-made ceramic buttons, tote bags & notions, see samples made by the owners and their customers....(Yes, their customers love to give them pieces that they've finished to show how the yarns work up!) or sit and knit or crochet with a cup of cappucino & home-made Italian cookies in their cafe section! Classes are offered for knitting & crocheting, as well as for special projects through-out the month.
Seaside Knitting at Woodland Village
1943 North Route 9
Clermont, NJ 08210
609-624-2124
Reviewd by Karen Taniguchi
I went here the first time in January and was ignored for their familiar customers. However, I went back in February and received all the help I could ask for. The shop is very small but has some quite unique yarns. Classes are also offered although a little too far for me to go on a regular basis. However, I came out of there with some great ideas and will definitely stop in again when down that way. 7/07
Simply Knit
23 Church Street
Lamberville, NJ 08530
609-397-7101
Reviewed by Pat Porter
Owned by the same women who used to work and design for the former (sadly closed) Tomato Factory, they took their patterns for simple, elegant and funky sweaters with them. This is the yarn shop for connoisseurs. They do not have a large pattern selection beyond their own, but they do have a terrific selection of high-end yarns in a gorgeous pallette. Rowan, Dale, Crystal Palace, Manos, Alice Starmore, many more, all in wool, cotton and luxury fibers. They can really guide you into making a masterpiece, and they know how to knit and design like no one else. Lambertville is worth a day trip for the antique stores, galleries and restaurants, as well.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Carol Craig
I have lived in the area for 13 years. When I moved here I was looking for a yarn store and I came across the Tomato Factory. I bought some of my yarn there and always liked it. However, one day I bought Charts for Colour Knitting by Alice Starmore. As I was purchasing the book the woman taking care of me said Do you really think you can handle this book? I said yes! and she asked what makes you think so and I said I think I qualify as an expert knitter! She just looked at me and said Well if you run into trouble
you can return it. Thirteen years later I am still using the book and have not had a minute of trouble with it.
Another time I went in looking for a small 12
inch circular needle; they had it and again I my experience was questioned. Not in a way of can I help you but in a way of I am sure you do not know what you are doing.
Over the years when people have seen me knitting in public they have asked me if I shopped at the Tomato Factory and I told them NO and I was surprised to find that many of them felt the way I did.
When I saw Simply Knit, one day when visiting Lamberville I decided to stop in and the story I told you was the result. I went to a different yarn shop about an hour away to get some yarn and while there I got into a conversation with some of the other knitters and some of them had been to Simply Knit and said they would never go back. That is when I leaned that they used to have
the Tomato Factory and just changed their name and moved up and across the street.
This shop was reviewed by a third knitter.
Reviewed by Jan Keil
While visiting a friend in the area, I went in looking for double pointed needles as I had left mine home in Oregon and wanted to knit some socks while on the road. Not only did they not have double pointed needles (!), the two saleswomen acted like I had walked in the store with something unpleasant stuck to the bottom of my shoes. They seemed to size me up and thought I wasn't interested in purchasing any of their highly priced wares and did what they could to hustle me out the door. Simply Knit was Simply Rude.
The Spinnery
1367 Route 202N
Neshanic Station, NJ 08853
908-369-3260
Reviewed by Pat Porter
I simply love this store -- a fiber artist's paradise. The owner, Betty, has persisted for years to create a place with something for everyone - knitters, spinners, weavers, basket makers, dyers, rug hookers. For knitters, she has plenty of small kit projects, many with hand-dyed, hand-spun yarns, a great selection of books on every subject, yarns by Harrisville and Henry's Attic (to name a few), buttons, equipment, you name it. Chances are you'll walk in to buy yarn and leave with the provisions to start a whole new craft.
The Stitching Bee
240 Main St.
Chatham, NJ 07928
973-635-6691
Reviewed by Wilhelmina Ross
A little shop brimming to the rafters with every yarn imaginable, and lots of books, magazines, kits, and accessories. Plenty of needlework canvases, threads, and supplies as well. Orders are quickly filled from
suppliers.
A very knowledgeable and friendly staff ready and willing to assist the beginner, or expert. Always a basket of 'orphans' available for small projects. There are samples, or a trunk show in the store.
Open 10am to 5pm daily, Closed Sundays &
holidays.
Easy to find on Main Street, and a short walk will take you to the many eateries in Chatham for a quick or relaxed lunch.
Time To Knit
413 Main Street
Boonton, NJ 07005
973-263-5033
Reviewed by Lisa Curry
This is the perfect yarn shop! They stock a marvelous variety of yarns, in
all price ranges and they have the latest fun yarns as well. The store is
very well organized so you can browse and find the prices yourself. Their
prices are VERY reasonable - I've seen the same yarns at 20% higher in other
stores in the area. A nice selection of books and materials, too. The
owner here is very nice, outgoing and helpful and so easy to talk to,
whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yarn-addict. She is very willing to
help anyone with any project - and there seem always to be several people in
there knitting, chatting, talking about projects etc and I feel welcome
every time I go there. Highly recommended!
Woolbearers
90 High Street
Mt Holly, NJ 08060
(609) 914-0003
Reviewed Jennie Lynn
A cute yarn shop located in downtown Mount Holly. Has a fantastic selection of hand-dyed yarns. Also offers classes, on spinning and knitting. They specialize in felting, knitting, spinning, and dyed yarns. Great selection of fine yarn. 11/10
Yarn Crafters
Rt. 9 North
Freehold, NJ
Reviewed by Helene Cooper
I used to go to this shop. I only went there because there were so few trade shops in our area. At Yarn Crafters, the owner, Ernie, was often rude and sarcastic. I also feel that he overcharged for some of his needlecraft templates. It often seemed as if he didn't care if he increased his business or not--he is retired and this seems to be a mere hobby to keep him and his wife busy. Even though the shop takes American Express, he would complain about it if I used my charge at his business, saying that it cost him too much money to do business with people only interested in getting miles. Why bother then?
I'd come home from his shop frustrated and my husband would often ask me why I even shopped at his place of business. The answer was that his was the only shop that wasn't one of the big chains in our area--and that Ernie knew it and exploited needlecrafters because of this.
I can honestly say that I am glad to have moved away from that area recently and don't have to depend on Yarn Crafters for my supplies and assistance. I would not recommend his shop to anyone who wasn't desperate for supplies.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Ruth Schwartz
I have been going to Yarn Crafters for quite a few years and have found them to be nothing but helpful, courteous and never rude. Ernie likes to joke around a lot, never sarcastic. His wife, Natalie, is also wonderful. If a problem arises she never hesitates to be helpful. If they don't have a yarn or or any other supplies you need they will get it for you. Also, I have always given them a credit card and was never refused. Personally i will never go to any other place but Yarn Crafters.
A Yarn For All Seasons
1944 Washington Valley Road
Martinsville, NJ 08836
732-560-1111
Reviewed by Beverly Bragin
This is one of the loveliest, well stocked, clean and neatest stores I have ever been in. Most of the current yarns are available here as are books, leaflets, needles and gadgets. The owner did not seem overly enthusiastic towards my looking around but there was so much to look at, I just did my thing. I was not asked about looking for anything in particular and there wasn't too much communicating on her part, but I did ask a few questions and perhaps the owner, Doris A. Jenne, is new to owning a store and possibly shy. My daughter lives in the area so I will get a chance to return and see if Doris is a bit more receptive next time.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Alma L. Chapin
My daughter and I have visited this shop quite a few times. It is one of the most pleasurable knitting shops I have found to date. The atmosphere is inviting and impeccable. I don't know about you but I cannot and will not shop in stores where most of the merchandise ends up in a heap or on the floor.
My daughter mentioned to Doris, the owner, that she had a crochet pattern that she could not figure out. Doris told her that if she sent her the pattern, she would try to figure it out for her. I find Doris and her establisment to be both warm, friendly and inviting. I hope she will do well and be around for a long time.
This shop was reviewed by a third knitter.
Reviewed by Nancy Smith
I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of yarns and selection the owner has managed to stock - Dale of Norway, Debbie Bliss, Berroco, Opal, Gedifra, Katia, Elsbeth Lavold, NORO, and plenty of novelty yarns and more. In addition, samples of most of the yarns are displayed attractively. The shop reminds me of a quaint English cottage type of shop and adequate parking can be found in front of the shop or behind the antique store. The owner was very receptive, knowledgeable and helpful. She greeted me as I entered and asked if I needed help but let me look around on my own without being pushy. A knitting group also meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays and classes are being formed for all levels. The shop is opened Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10 to 4 but I was told that her hours might be changing in the fall. I look forward to visiting again to see what kind of new yarns will be arriving for the fall and winter.
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